Assessing the Potential of Gabiroba Fruit Waste as an Oil Source via Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction: Physicochemical Parameters, Chemical Profile, and Biological Properties

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) on the chemical composition and biological activities of gabiroba waste oil (GWO), compared to conventional Soxhlet extraction (SE). GWO was characterized for carotenoid content and analyzed by GC-MS for fatty acids (FAs) and sesquiterpenes. Total phenolic content (TPC), flavonoid content (TFC), and antioxidant (ABTS, DPPH, FRAP), antimicrobial, and antiglycemic activities were evaluated. Both methods yielded similar carotenoid content (954–1110 μg β-carotene/g). UAE enhanced phytochemical extraction, with 33% higher TPC (281 mg GAE/100 g), 50% more TFC (193 mg QE/100 g), and superior antioxidant activity (ABTS-12 μmol TE/g for hydrophilic extract, 109 μmol TE/g for lipophilic extract). UAE produces a high-quality oil with higher yield (36.6%) and lower acidity index (12.5%) compared to SE. Oleic acid was the predominant FA, followed by palmitic and linoleic acids, with β-cadinene as the major terpene. UAE oil exhibited a 21% increase in unsaturated FA and a 36% reduction in saturated FA compared to SE. UAE oil had greater antimicrobial activity for S. aureus (MIC-3.9 mg/mL) and higher α-amylase (IC50—316 μg/mL) and α-glucosidase (IC50—45 μg/mL) inhibitory potential. UAE proved to be an efficient, sustainable method to obtain phytochemical-rich oil from food residues, valorizing gabiroba waste for pharmaceutical and functional food applications.